Styling Neons in the Winter #WinterJacketInspo

Winter in the South is bearable compared to other states, but that does not mean we are not going to come out and SLAY in our favorite coats and jackets. This season I will be sharing my favorite coats and where you can get similar items.

Photo: @sherita_bolden

Jackets can really set off an outfit. Or even tone a look down. With this look I decided the neutral long line jacket balanced out this neon turtleneck for the perfect look. I know it’s cold and we typically think of warmer, subtle colors during this season. But neons are IN! But if you don’t want to be the highlighter of the group and wear an equally loud jacket. Go for warm jacket from H&M. Paired with the white boots it gave the non sweater the support it needed.

Photo: @sherita_bolden

Photo: @sherita_bolden

photo: @sherita bolden

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SHOP THE LOOK

Monochromatic Looks - #FallStyleTips

Monochromatic looks are always a fan favorite, especially in this athleisure phase we are all going through. We are all pairing the same color sweats with heels or sneakers. Opposed to going for the usually nude or flesh toned colors, I have really been loving deeper brown shades. I opted to pair this copper skirt with a oversized jackets and it was a match made in heaven. And can you believe it was thrifted! If you want to figure outlaw to make the most out of your monochromatic looks, check out these tips!

STYLE TIP #1 - DIVERSIFY TEXTURE

Typically when we pull monochromatic looks we go for similar fabrics. I just love how with this look all the fabric is different but compliment each other so well. From the satin skirt against the textured boot and ribbed turtleneck just make for the perfect combination.

STYLE TIP #2 - SAME COLOR, DIFFERENT TONES

Instead of going big and just choosing the exact same color for monochromatic looks, pull colors that are the same color but different tints, shades, and tones. The brownish copper against the deep brown adds some contrast to the look not making it look as flat.

STYLE TIP #3 - PLAY WITH SHAPES TO ADD INTEREST

Wearing the same shape can be uninteresting. A fitted tee with a fitted pants is cute but may not be as dynamic as you want. Try playing with different shapes to add more interest to your monochromatic looks.

Photographer: @sherita_bolden

Photographer: @sherita_bolden

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SHOP THE LOOK

Wild Style | Styling Animal Prints

Fall’s hottest trend is animal print! And I am completely here for it. But before you head to the mall, stop by the thrift store. They have tons of animal print blouses that are a fraction of the cost of a mall find. I found an entire outfit from the thrift store that is letting me slay and keep up with this season’s trend. I scored the blouse and jeans from Goodwill, of course. The heels are from Shoeland. The bag was a huge score at Target. Target had really changed the game up this past year. The handbag section are full of gems! Enjoy my look and shop some of my must have animal print pieces!

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SHOP THE LOOKS

NYFW: The Shows, Presentations, and Experiences.

It felt like a movie to sit and watch these shows and presentations. The looks were amazing and of course I had my camera to capture it all. The creative director for Kate Spade, Nicola Glass, spoke on the inspiration behind the collection and how they are continuing to honor Kate Spade’s legacy. I also got to view several other designers with a lot of fun pieces. Check them out,

KATE SPADE PRESENTATION

KUHO PRESENTATION

PROFANITY

NOT DEAD YET

KIM TIZIANA ROTTMULLER

NOZOMI KUWAHARA

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On top of all the cool shows, there were a ton of experiences to attend. I had a chance to go to a Townhouse Event sponsored by Saks, Harpers Bazaaar, and American Express. It had four floors of picture perfect scenarios. Me and my friends had a so much fun in the faux bubble bath and animal print rooms! The Moxy Hotel also had the coolest funhouse! From games to fun mirrors!

NYFW: The Looks

When I decided to attend NYFW, I already knew I wanted to DIY my way to the perfect looks. For the sake of my budget me and my friends decided to thrift all of our outfits. ALL OF THEM. And that’s just what we did. Every single outfit I wore was thrifted and paired with things I already had or with affordable pieces

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Day 1: Monochromatic looks are always in. Went for my current favorite color with pops of colors and animal print.

Day 3: I wanted to serve old school prom realness. I found this large skirt that I wanted to use to spice up a white tee. Then layered a heavy, warmer skirt for contrast. At first the hem was straight, but NYFW needed ruffles, so I gave them ruffles.

Day 3: Had to keep it casual and play it up by mixing and matching patterns. This was actually my favorite outfit because it was so comfortable and I got to rock a graphic tee.

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NYFW LOOKS

MY FIRST NYFW

NYFW WAS A LOT

When it comes to blogging, I have always focused on personal style. I wanted to use NYFW as a learning experience to know if I enjoyed the industry side of fashion. I wanted to see more then my personal style so I can be more educated on fashion industry. So I’m here to share to my honest opinion about all things NYFW.

Day 1, I felt little. I felt like I did not look cute, I felt like I wasn’t good enough to get into the big shows, and I felt like I did not belong. I’m not sure why and maybe it was my own insecurities overshadowing my actual experience. But I just did not feel like I belonged. I think all the rejection emails from the shows played a big part into this mindset. I mostly stood outside of the lines to the major shows taking pictures of the other people getting in. Even though I love photography and I glad I got the chance to practice. I wanted to be the person hey were taking pictures of, not the other way around.

The vibe was unexpectedly different. I’m not sure it if was just the circles or places I was in but I did not feel a sense of camaraderie. I think back to Summit 21 in Atlanta, whenever you saw someone dressed fly or strutting you hyped them up! Or if you were standing in a crowd you got to know the people around you and exchanged contact information. As I watched the lines of people going in, I just saw a bunch of people, slaying of course, but also just standing in cool poses making sure their outfits remained on point.

Besides those two thing, the whole weekend was BOMB. I really enjoyed going to the presentations and shows I did attend. It taught me that high fashion is a thing but the styles in those main shows truly embody what people are doing in street style everywhere. It did not feel as isolating as I thought. I could see me wearing those outfits. And that was comforting.

So for my first time attending it was a HUGE learning experience and I’m glad I got to go. I would def attend next years so I can continue to learn and grow in this industry. Check out my other post showcasing all the street style I captured and the shows I attended.

Absolutely Obsessed

Last Winter it was checkered print, this summer it's 90s eyewear, all year its been athleisure wear. Obsessed isn't even the word. We love taking one thing and running with it. But here's why that isn't so bad. Because if you love it, you love it! Things get labeled trendy because the masses can see that everyone loves something, but that doesn't make it bad.

It's actually really relaxing to have one thing you can't live without. My forever obsession: giraffes! Don't ask why. Maybe its because they look so peaceful or maybe it's because I have a super long neck and someone said I looked like one once. Whatever it is, they are my faves. I collect ever possible thing with giraffes on them. From tees to figurines, I have it all.

This t-shirt has been with me for about four years and I have no plans of letting go. I might cry if it gets lost or ruined. There's nothing like putting on your fave t-shirt and it just feels like home. Other things I'm obsessed with: 1. Hotdogs with cheese and ketchup. 2. Making super efficient, automated, color-coded excel sheets. 3. Editing pictures for no reason. 4. Dancing, everywhere! This is important because at the end of the day, what you do, wear, or say is for you. So make it count. Wear that favorite tee all week, use the same filter for every picture, play the same song on repeat the whole car ride. Stay absolutely obsessed! I want to hear what you can't get enough of! Comment below your favorite clothing item, you've had forever!

Thrifted Finds - Ribbed Satin Skirt

If y'all don't get up and get yourself to the nearest thrift store right noooow!! Because there are gems to be found! Like so many. All you need is a little imagination to make it work. I found ribbed satin blue matching set and it has been giving me life. I actually wore the tank for it in an outfit I rocked over on milqmag.com.

But the skirt was way to big for me so I just let it sit until I was ready to make some much needed adjustments. I decide to take the skirt in and keep the length because it had a beautiful scalloped edge.

I paired it with this graphic tee from ASOS and these Forever21 heels that are super cute. I was a little nervous posting the pics of my feet because of the way my feet hung over the strap. But I saw Rihanna with similar shoes and her feet hung over the strap too. So if Rih Rih can rock her foot fat with style so can I!! Are you feeling this look? Comment below!! 

EASY DIY - Reconstructed Button Up

Nothing makes my heart happier then thrifting items and making original custom fitted pieces. The joy of fashion is making item what you want them to be. This time I decided to DIY these cool button ups. My favorite and most purchased item from the anywhere is a good oversized button up. (Random question: Do you say button up or button down? Comment below, I'm genuinely curious) So I'm going to show you a quick DIY you can do using two button ups to switch things up a bit.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
1. Two button ups. Similar in size.
2. Sewing machine or needle and thread.
3. Scissors

When I say this is going to easiest DIY you've ever done! All you need to do is start by cutting each of the buttons ups down the center. I prefer to use a blade and cutting mat to its very straight.

Next place the two shirts together. The backs of each shirt should be face to face. Pin them where you cut it. And sew the two shirts together! And thats it! This DIY took me all of ten minutes. And your t-shirt options are endless. You could two graphic tees, or two differently striped shirts. Whichever one you choose, make it you! Enjoy.

What Type of Hoop Are You?

Hoop earrings came back with a vengeance! Those large bamboo hoops or classic silver hoops have all been on trend for a while now and I can NOT get enough of it! Your girl used to rock the studs day and night, but I love the way hoops make me feel and what they do for any outfit. I actually can't go with out a pair now. I have all types, but the pair I found at Target are my current faves! Not only are they LARGE but very on trend with this pretty lavender color. And they make me feel oh so pretty!!

I got these from Target and so can you buy clicking this link! And I suggest you hurry, because they were only $9.99 and come in so many pretty colors, I don't see them staying in stock for long! Now these are my current favs, but can I guess what type of hoops you would rock??

Let me give it a try!! Take this quiz and see if I can guess which pair you would weak! Then you can shop the type of earring you got! Giive it a shot!

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HAPPY HOOP SHOPPING!

The Shoe Trend That's Saving My Life

Gone are the days where six inch heels are the only way to go out and look cute. Wearing "two hour shoes" and then wincing in pain the rest of the night over! The switch to shorter block heels have changed the game for me! 

A few years ago I injured my knee and wasn't able to wear heels because of the pain. I resorted to sneakers, which I don't mind, but desperately wanted some heels I can rock and also be comfortable. And at first I was hesitant to try this new trend because the shade thrown at the kitten heel was real. And definitely reminded me of my middle school heels I wore to church. But once I realized I could go all day in these modest kitten heeled bad boys It was a done deal! Check out how I stayed my pair from Forever21 and a few that are on my wishlist!

Loving this look. Jeans are H&M. Top and shoes are from Forever21. The blazer and earrings were a thrift find! Making the perfect Spring look saving you from walking back to the car barefoot!

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WISHLIST

The Only Dress You Need This Season

 It's officially sundress season! I'm all for letting the legs come out and play but I'm no longer a fan of the classic bodycon and maxi dresses. So when I stumbled onto this cutie on the Zara app, I knew I would love it. These days the only thing I need from a dress is for it to be comfortable, cool details, and fun color or patterns. This dress I found has it all!

So here are the dets that make this dress amazing. The pattern and material. This dress is this really cool ribbed mesh material, so its super breathable. Only thing that a can a pro or con is that the dress is slightly see through. I opted to wear shorts and a tank underneath, but this dress could also be a really cute cover up for a bathing suit. The hem lines all have this really cute scalloped edge that adds the perfect detail.

Go for heels if the occasion calls, but I went with my thrifted New Balances to finish of this look. And paired it with my velvet navy blue hoops. Its so simple and so me, I just love it! This is my new favorite dress and I will wear it as much as I can!! Would you rock this fit?

DIY: Zipper Jeans & Graphic Tees

The perfect outfit only a few simple touches away. Last year I was Instagra and stumbled on @lifeinbeverlyheels feed. She was rocking this PAWPIN outfit. I knew quickly I didn't feel like spending money to purchase the look. So I just recreated it with some affordable pieces!

ZIPPER JEANS

+Start by cutting a straight line down the front of your jeans.
+Flip the jeans inside out.
+Place a zipper in place and pin to hold.
+Sew the zipper to the pants leg from the inside of the pants leg. THAT'S IT!

GRAPHIC TEE

+Choose two different pieces of fabric. My pic was red/green ankara and checkered print.
+Cut each piece into desired shape. I chose a large square and a small rectangle.
+Get a t-shirt. I got a Walmart Time and Tru shirt. 
+Use fabric glue and to attached fabric to back of shirt. Let dry for 24 hours.

Tee: Walmart Time and Tru
Jeans: Thrifted
Shoes: Madden Girl
Zipper: Fine Fabrics
Earrings: Buffalo Exchange

Lessons Learned!

+make sure the fabric matches the fabric of the shirt. my fabric was a bit too heavy for this tee.
+use a cutting blade and cutting mat to cut fabric. it gives cleaner edges and makes it easier to work with.
+make sure the zipper does not run into the pocket it would make for an awkward stopping point.
+i only found a zipper this length at a huge fabric store. could not find on amazon or michaels.

Happy DIYing